It's not just a Santa hat...

Well, for us it's much more. These memories at Christmas time are so sweet, and often I don't think of them until now... it's 2 days before Christmas and as I walked downstairs and saw the tree... I went back in time to my childhood. My dad loved Christmas. He really loved anything fun! So, when it comes to Christmas he knew how to make everyone feel special. You see, the hat was the beginning of the fun. Once Dad put the hat on, then we knew it was time to open presents. He would chuckle with glee as he handed out all the presents; reading each name tag, and making jokes! We always threw the wrapping paper (sometimes at each other) after we were done opening our present. So, the hat has been passed down to my brother. And maybe for him, he wears it more proudly than some would... after all- it's not just any Santa hat!
Love you, Dad! You'll always be a special part of our Christmas!

Santa-- did you know?

Anna's Christmas list
how it went down:
Jon- "Anna, wow, those are 2 big ticket items on your list. Could you pick 1 that you want to ask for?
Anna- "Well, it's free when it comes from Santa. Didn't you know that!"
Jon- "......oh, right!....."

Aidan's list (handwritten with some help from Anna)
Mom- "Aidan, what is the 1 thing you really, really want to get on Christmas?"
Aidan- "2 monster trucks. The little ones, Mom. Just 2, that's all!"
Mom- "Ok, are you sure?"
Aidan- "yup!"

Christmas Time at the house!

Winter picture by Aidan. He is 5 now and loving kindergarten. He has many creations... there are so many that I can't keep them all! He loves to draw, doodle, and color.

Update on Courtney's Dad Dec 6,2010
Romans 12:12

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

We've been studying hope at church. I've probably needed a bit more this time around... after our last visit with my Dad (on Thanksgiving weekend) we all experienced another level of sadness. I felt like he didn't recognize me. It was more difficult to keep his head up and his eyes open enough to see people. He responded to my mom's voice and often to Greg's patient, but persistent touches. That was comforting. The best part of the visit was when Anna walked in the room. You see (or at least now I can see) Anna is about at eye level for my dad when he is alert. He can see her differently. She walked in the room, and we all tried to say hello (with difficulty) and then he saw her. He reached out to her and gave her a hug. It was just precious. He greeted her with such calmness and gentleness. These things are becoming more difficult for my dad. I am not sure she felt completely comfortable, but I think it was a moment locked in all our minds for us to retell when she is able to understand more. I was retelling this to a dear friend and she said to me "Courtney, maybe he thought it was you".

Dad is probably under 140 pounds, but is mobile (thank goodness). Eats pureed foods mostly and has a caregiver with him most days. My mom (faithful servant, and precious wife) is there a lot; caring for my dad in a way that most of us cannot. I am so thankful for her example.